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среда, 20 февраля 2013 г.
Volvo Details Facelifted S60, V60 and XC60 [39 Photos]
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Volvo has updated its S60 sedan, V60 station wagon and XC60 crossover, but you probably already know about that since we showed youpictures of the facelifted models on Monday. Now, besides sharing a full gallery, including images of the interiors of the aforementioned models, the Swedish carmaker has also released technical details.
The common theme of the exterior makeover on all three models is the new and the more understated front fascia that drops the auxiliary lights positioned between the headlamps and grille, both of which have been redesigned.
Newly sculpted front and rear bumpers, different exhaust pipes, optionally available 19- and 20-inch wheels, and revised tail lamp graphics round out the changes outside.
Stepping in the cabin, there are a number of common upgrades on all three models, such as new upholstery colours, new trim inlays, a new headliner, and frames around the air vents and light controls, plus a new TFT instrument panel with a large center gauge, similar in design to that found in the new V40 hatchback.
Notable equipment upgrades include the addition of Corner Traction Control on all XC60 models, revised infotainment systems with a 7-inch display, available heated steering wheel and paddle shifters, new Active High Beam Control and an electrically heated windscreen for rapid de-icing on cars equipped with a rain sensor.
Volvo has also tweaked the petrol and diesel engines in all three models to improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
For example, the D2 115PS diesel engine in the S60 returns 4.0lt/100km (70.6mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 106g/km, while the S60 with the 1.6-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine T4 (180PS) or T3 (150PS) and automatic gearbox now returns 6.8lt/100km or 41.5mpg UK (159 g/km). The corresponding figure for the V60 T3 and T4 is 7.2lt/100km 39.2mpg UK (167 g/km).
Wheels-And-More for New Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe
22:08
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Would you be happy with the new Aston Martin Vanquish just like it comes out of the factory? We thought so; but if the answer to that question happens to be negative, then one of the many options that will soon become available on the market is a tune up from German brand "Wheelsandmore".
The tuner avoided making many changes to the exterior, limiting its touch to a pin stripe that runs across the body and wheels, lots of them to be precise.
True to its name, Wheelsandmore offers a wide selection of rims, in terms of styling, colors, sizes and even materials, with available options including 20" and 21" regular wheels, three-piece forged rims and customized carbon fiber wheels.
A software upgrade and a sports exhaust system will add an extra 40PS and 90Nm of torque to AM's stock 5.9-liter V12 engine, lifting total output to 613PS (605hp) and peak torque to 710Nm (524 lb-ft).
The company's current offerings are rounded out by a sports suspension kit.
2014 Volvo S80, V70 and XC70 Officially Revealed Ahead of Geneva Motor Show
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Volvo's turn to a more conservative styling after the updated S60, V60 and XC60, continues with the 2014 model year S80 saloon, V70 estate and its crossover sibling, the XC70. For what it's worth, you can apply most of the things we said in our previous article about the former to the latter, since the changes are more or less identical.
But if you insist on reading, new exterior design cues for the S80 and V70 include a wider front grille with chrome detailing set upon a restyled bumper, while at the back we find a new rear bumper, tailpipes and added chrome details as well as redesigned rear lights. Both models are also available with wheels up to 19 inches in diameter.
The XC70 features similar changes, sans for the different front grille and the black cladding on the bumpers, wheel arches and side panels.
Inside, the biggest change for all three models is the adoption of an Adaptive Digital Display for the instrument panel, which debuted in the all-new V40. It uses an active TFT allowing drivers to choose from three different themes named 'Elegance', 'Eco' and 'Performance'.
Fresh trims, upholstery colors and new equipment features such as the Sensus Connected Touch screen with a 7-inch display that can be used even when wearing gloves (Volvo says it's a world first in cars), Active High Beam Control, and heated steering wheel and paddle shifters are also part of the facelift.
And just like the '60' series, Volvo's larger models benefit from some mild engine tweaks to improve fuel efficiency and C02 emission across the range.
Audi's New RS Q3 Super SUV Makes an Early Online Debut in Production Trim
22:07
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Images of the production version of the Audi RS Q3 have been leaked online ahead of the high-performance crossover's official premiere, which will likely take place in Geneva next month.
We will remind you that the RS Q3 was previewed through a thinly disguised conceptmodel at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show.
These first pictures suggest that Audi has made only minor changes to the concept, mainly by replacing the carbon fiber accents and trims, both inside and out, with aluminum finish parts. In addition, the aluminum-style backgrounds of the instrument panel gauges have given their place to a more traditional black layout.
We suspect that the powertrain will be the same as in the concept, which featured the TT RS’ 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five rated at 355-horses allowing the subcompact crossover to complete the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 5.2 seconds and top out at 265 km/h (165 mph), but we'll have to wait for the official release to be sure.
New BMW 4-Series Coupe Spied Parked Right Next to Audi A5 Coupe
22:07
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We can't say with certainty if BMW engineers went out for lunch with their Audi counterparts, if they were the ones driving the A5 Coupe or if the Ingolstadt's model just happened to be in this parking lot, but it sure makes for an interesting matchup seeing it standing right next to the new 4-Series Coupe in these fresh spy shots.
This is the first time that we have captured a prototype of the E92 3-Series Coupe's successor after BMW premiered the 4-Series Concept in Detroit last month.
The fairly light camouflage of the test car allows us to compare it with the concept and from what we can see, the changes are limited to the smaller wheels, the conventional mirrors and the more plainly trimmed front and rear bumpers, though, keep in mind, this is a prototype of the regular model, with the M Sport iterations to boast details that are more athletic.
We'll also note that from some angles, the pronounced front end of the 4-Coupe reminds us of the current generation Z4 roadster.
You probably already know it, but we'll repeat the fact that the 4-Series Coupe shares itsunderpinnings and engine range with the latest 3-Series models.
Inevitably, these photos will lead to comparisons with the Audi A5 Coupe, which is one of the 4-Series Coupe's main rivals, so don't be shy to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Here’s Why Qoros Renamed its Compact Models from GQ3 to 3
22:06
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You know the saying, "what goes around, comes around". Well, now so does Chinese-Israeli startup Qoros, which last year, took Kia to German courts to ban the Korean company from using the "Quoros" moniker for its flagship rear-wheel drive saloon in Europe because it sounded too close to its own brand name.
For several months, Qoros was advertising its first ever production and concept models under the GQ3 nameplate, when all of a sudden last week, the automaker released photos of the cars named the "3".
At the time, there was no explanation, but on Tuesday, German news daily Die Welt came out with a report saying the reason for the name change has to do with a court order won by Audi in Hamburg, Germany, on January 14.
What happened is that Audi objected to the appearance of the letter "Q" in the "GQ3" name because it uses it along with a number for its SUVs and crossovers.
Qoros told Autonews Europe that Audi's complaint came as a surprise, since it had trademarked the "GQ3" name in Europe, and had notified Audi. A Qoros spokesman said that "GQ3 was a preliminary name for the sedan and not final", adding that the company will challenge the court's decision "to keep its options open."
Only 1 New Ferrari Sold in Greece in 2012, Compared to 21 in 2007
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That the economy of Greece is in shambles, is no secret, nor is the fact it will take years, if not decades, for the country to stand up on its feet again.
Even the rich seem to be affected from the cash flow crunch, as according to a Reuters report,only one new Ferrari sports car was registered in Greece for the whole of last year. Perhaps the Greeks turned to the used market, we hear you ask? Nope, as only one used Ferrari was sold in a country of more than 11 million in 2012.
Naturally, these numbers don't mean anything if you do not have something to comparing them with. In 2007, the year before the crisis broke out, 21 new Ferrari models were delivered in Greece, along with another 27 used examples.
That brings the grand total to two new and used Ferraris in 2012 versus 48 examples in 2007. And if you're wondering about the new car market as a whole, in 2007, a total of 279,794 brand new vehicles were sold in Greece compared to a paltry 58,482 units last year.
New Peugeot 2008 Small Crossover Detailed in 47 High-Res Photos and Videos
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Eyeing the likes of the Nissan Juke and Opel/Vauxhall Mokka in the increasingly popular small crossover segment, Peugeot will be heading to the Geneva Motor Show next month to display its new 2008, before it launches the car in several regions around the world, including Europe, Asia and South America.
We received a first taste of the 208-based modelin January with the release of the first photos, but the French carmaker is following up today with new images, videos and details, all of which can be found after the break.
Peugeot says the 2008 is its first vehicle to be designed, developed and engineered simultaneously in Europe, China and Latin America. It will also be built in factories located in each of these three regions (France, Brazil and China).
The five-door model is based on lengthened version of the 208 hatchback's platform and measures 4,160mm in length, which makes it 200mm longer than the 208 supermini and 20mm longer than the concept model of the same name from the 2012 Paris Auto Show.
Its exterior design is reminiscent of the 208, albeit with chunkier detailing, a higher ride and protective plastic moldings around the bumpers and side sills to justify its crossover character. Inside, the dashboard is borrowed from the supermini with Peugeot spicing up the trim detailing.
Power comes Peugeot's latest engines including a three-cylinder 1.2-liter petrol unit in 82PS (81hp), 110PS (108hp) and 130PS (128hp) versions, a 1.6-liter VTi petrol with 120PS (118hp), a 1.4-liter diesel rated at 68PS (67hp), and a 1.6-liter diesel available in 92PS (91hp) and 115PS (113hp) flavors.
European sales of the new 2008 will begin in early summer this year.
New Audi RS Q3 with 306HP 2.5-liter Turbocharged Inline-Five is Official
22:04
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Only hours after we posted the first pictures of the Audi's hot compact SUV, the brand with the four-ring logo came out with a plethora of official images and details on the new RS Q3, which will be displayed at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show in early March.
The transformation from the concept model we saw at last year's Beijing auto show to a production car brought only a few minor cosmetic changes, such as the replacement of the carbon fiber trims inside and out with aluminum or black-colored parts, and a de-tuning of the TT RS- and RS3-sourced 2.5-liter turbocharged unit, dropping power from 350hp (355PS) to 306hp (310PS).
The inline-five, which produces a peak torque figure of 420Nm (309.8 lb-ft) available between 1,500 and 5,200 rpm, is connected to a standard seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission that transfers power to all four corners via Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a hydraulically operated and electronically controlled multi-plate clutch located at the rear axle.
So how fast is the production RS Q3? According to Ingolstadt, it takes 5.5 seconds to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph), and its top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h (155mph). As far as fuel economy is concerned, the performance version of the Q3 series returns a combined figure of 8.8lt/100 km (26.73 US mpg or 32.1 UK mpg).
To improve handling, quattro engineers tweaked the suspension and lowered the ride height by 25mm (about an 1 inch), placed the battery in the luggage compartment (for better weight distribution), and added ventilated and perforated brake discs up front and larger discs at the back gripped by eight-piston calipers.
Furthermore, the electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a sport mode, and it can also be deactivated entirely, while there's a Launch Control function as well. Audi says the RS Q3 weighs in at 1,730 kg (3814.00 lb).
On the outside, Audi made sure to separate the RS model from the plebeian Q3s through a number of visual highlights, such as the exclusive 19-inch or optionally, 20-inch wheels, body accents and roof rails in matt aluminum, high-gloss black honeycomb front grille, RS front bumper, a rear diffuser with a single oval tailpipe and a roof spoiler.
The interior is upgraded with bespoke sport seats upholstered in black Alcantara and leather, with diamond stitching offered as an option, a revised instrument cluster with gray gauges and white scales and red pointers, a flat –bottom steering wheel, and plenty of aluminum trims and parts.
First deliveries in Europe will start this fall, with pricing in Germany to start from €54,600 or about US$73,100.
Poll: 2014 Chevrolet SS vs. Dodge Charger vs. Chrysler 300
22:03
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For sure, there are plenty of sporty flavored, rear-wheel drive sedans in the market, but the first two cars that come to mind as direct competitors to the new 2014 Chevrolet SS are without question, the 2013 Dodge Charger and the 2013 Chrysler 300.
General Motors won't be releasing prices for its bow-tie-badged Holden Commodore SS V until later this year, though, we anticipate to the SS to carry a similar price tag to its Chrysler Group challengers in the non-luxury, rear-wheel drive performance sedan category.
The question is, which models in the Charger and300 lineups will the SS go up against?
Will it target the 370HP HEMI V8-powered Dodge Charger R/T that starts at $29,995 or the 470HP 6.4-liter HEMI V8 Dodge Charger SRT8 priced from $45,995, and similarly, the Chrysler 300C with the 363hp 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that starts at $35,190, or the 470hp 6.4-liter HEMI V8-powered SRT8 with an MSRP of $48,995?
Perhaps GM will position the SS, which features a 415hp 6.2-liter V8 linked to a 6-speed automatic only, somewhere in the middle, or it could be preparing a ZL1 model like the one we dreamed up last year, in which case, it could focus on the lower priced editions.
Whatever the case, it’s almost certain that the SS will be cross-shopped with one or both of the V8 versions of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, which brings us to today's poll: with what you've seen and heard about the SS so far, which one of the following V8 models would you be more inclined to buy?
New Bentley Flying Spur Bows Ahead of the Geneva Motor Show [Photos & Videos]
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The 2014 Bentley Flying Spur. was one of two new cars we had the opportunity to show you earlier today before their official unveiling, the other one being the Audi RS Q3.
The lowered roofline, the sharper and more sculpted lines on the profile and the squatted rear end with rectangular tail light clusters, give the Flying Spur an edgier and more dynamic look than the rounder Continental sedan.
You probably noticed that we have not used the Continental moniker. That's because Bentley doesn't either, even though the car is essentially a redesign of the outgoing Continental Flying Spur and continues to be a sibling of theContinental GT coupe and Continental GTC convertible models, which have already been updated.
While it continues to use the underpinnings of the Continental Flying Spur, the new model has received a complete exterior makeover, with the only part of the car that reminds you of its roots, being the front end with the quad headlamps and cross-hair chrome grille. Then again, even the headlights have a new shape and now feature jewel-like LEDs.
The lowered roofline, the sharper and more sculpted lines on the profile and the squatted rear end with rectangular tail light clusters, give the Flying Spur an edgier and more dynamic look than the rounder Continental sedan.
It's not only about the styling, though, as changes made to the body structure with the use of lighter materials and additional weight savings throughout the car, make the Flying Spur 50 kg (110 pounds) lighter than the first generation car, despite offering "additional refinement measures, enhanced technology specification and stronger structure", as stated by Bentley.
More changes can be found in the chassis with the new Flying Spur gaining a revised suspension with softer spring rates (by 10 percent up front and 13 percent at the rear axle), anti-roll bars (13 percent at the front, 15 percent at the rear), and lever bushes all-round (softened by 25 percent on all four corners).
Working with the new springs, is a revised damper electronic control (CDC), while Bentley also developed a new power steering system, and recalibrated the multiple-mode Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
Moving into the cabin, Bentley states that the Flying Spur has 600 new parts, with only the sun visors, grab handles, armrests and some of the front console and controls carried over from the previous generation model. That said, the design is new, but at the same time, doesn’t stray away from what current Continental owners are used to seeing in their cars.
Bentley offers the Flying Spur in both four- and five-seat configurations, as well as with an optional Multi-Media Specification package that allows portable devices, laptops and tablet computers to connect to the internet through the car’s own Wi-Fi hotspot with an active SIM, and also includes 64 GB of internal storage capacity and two 10-inch LCD screens mounted on the seat backs.
Powering the new Flying Spur is an improved version of Bentley’s 6.0-liter, twin turbo W12 engine, developing 616hp (625PS) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft), up from 552hp (560PS) and 650Nm (479lb ft) respectively. The W12 is linked to a new 8-speed automatic transmission delivering power to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split.
According to the British luxury marque, the new Flying Spur offers a 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model, and can complete the 0-60 mph (96km/h) sprint in of 4.3 seconds and reach a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).
A base model fitted with the VW Group's new 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 generating 500hp (507PS) and 660Nm (487 lb-ft), as well as a flagship Speed model with an uprated W12, are likely to join the lineup next year.
The new Flying Spur will go on sale this summer.
New Photos of Alfa Romeo Gloria Sports Saloon Concept
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Here's a fresh batch of renderings of the new Alfa Romeo Gloria sports sedan concept, which was jointly developed by the Italian automaker with students at the European Design Institute (IED) of Turin, and will be revealed in the flesh at the Geneva motor show in March.
Included in this set are sketches that provide a first glimpse at the interior with its four-seat layout and the classic, twin binnacle instrument panel.
In addition to the renderings that we found onCardesign, we also discovered a CGI from one of the designers depicting the car from a 3/4 rear angle and featuring some minor changes in the coloration (i.e. the roof arches are finished in gloss black instead of silver), while also equipped with different wheels.
The 4,700mm (185 inches) long Gloria was designed to appeal to consumers in the North American and Asian markets, which Alfa Romeo wants to enter in the following years. The car was imagined to be fitted with a front-mounted V6 and V8 bi-turbocharged engines transferring power to the rear wheels.
Toyota Updates its TS030 Hybrid Endurance Championship Racer [w/Video]
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This is Toyota Motorsport's updated 2013 TS030 Hybrid racecar, with which the Japanese company will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), including this year's edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Shakedown tests of the 2013 car kicked off at the Paul Ricard circuit in southern France on Tuesday and will continue throughout the month, ahead of the first race of the season at Silverstone on April 14.
The updated TS030 Hybrid is fitted with a revised version of the Toyota Racing hybrid system first introduced in 2012. According to the Japanese carmaker, the super capacitor-based system delivers 300hp of boost automatically, on top of the 530hp generated by the 3.4 liter, normally-aspirated V8 petrol engine.
Toyota's engineers also fine-tuned the powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics to improve power, efficiency, management of component usage and reliability, to comply to the new regulations due to be enforced in 2014.
For the 2013 WEC season, Toyota Racing will field a two car team, with drivers Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima running in the #7 TS030 Hybrid, and Anthony Davidson, Stéphane Sarrazin and Sébastien Buemi in the #8 car.
What Say You About this Carlex Design-Customized Corvette C6 Interior?
22:00
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There's no need to tell you that one of the weakest points of the current (and soon-to-be replaced) Chevrolet Corvette C6 is the uninspired and lower-quality than what you would expect from a vehicle in this category, interior. That’s something even owners of the car freely admit.
If waiting for the new 2014 Corvette Stingray, which promises to bring significant upgrades in this area, isn't an option, the only other reasonable solution owners have is to ask for the help of the aftermarket industry.
One such Corvette C6 owner found an answer to his problem from Polish interior and exterior customizer, Carlex Design, which turned the customer's requests into reality.
The Corvette C6 coupe's cabin was given a complete makeover through the use of high-quality Nappa leather in a "Vanilla & Pepper" color theme with accent stitching. You can check out the result in the pictures that follow, and tell us what you think about it in the comments.
2013 Toyota Camry Gains New Soft Touch Materials and Equipment Upgrades
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America’s best-selling sedan for 14 of the past 15 years, the Toyota Camry, is entering the 2013 model year with some minor enhancements to interior design and comfort, and safety technology.
In particular, the Japanese carmaker has added new soft touch materials on the front door panels of the Camry Hybrid LE, as well as on the regular gasoline engine-powered LE and SE grades, replacing harder plastic materials found in the 2012MY versions.
Furthermore, LE grade models (both gasoline and Hybrid), gain armrests that match the interior color (instead of black), while on models fitted with leather seating, the door panels now feature new stitching accents.
Finally, in terms of equipment upgrades, the Blind Spot Monitor system, the availability of which has been expanded to the Camry SE trim, adds a rear cross traffic alert function, while the Display Audio screen becomes standard for the Camry L and Camry Hybrid LE models.
Audi wants to Double SUV and Crossover Lineup with Q2, Q4 and Q6 Models
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Many gearheads and journalists alike have whined and moaned about premium automakers diluting their brands' cachet by developing SUVs and crossovers, but the truth is, that's where the growth is these days. Just look at Porsche and the Cayenne.
Compared to its home-market rivals BMW and Mercedes, Audi was late to the party having launched its first entry in the SUV segment only eight years ago with the full-size Q7, which was followed by the compact Q5 in 2008 and Q3 in 2010.
This year, the Ingolstadt-based brand introduced its first high-performance compact SUVs with the SQ5 (diesel-powered in Europe, gasoline-powered in North America) and the RS Q3.
However, Audi's affair with the segment is far from over as it has plans to double its sport-utility vehicle (SUV) offerings by 2020 and close the sales gap with BMW. A person familiar with the strategy told BusinessWeek that Audi is developing three new models, the Q2, Q4 and Q6, all of which will be sportier looking and handling alternatives to the Q3, Q5 and Q7 respectively.
Mercedes-Benz and BMW are also looking to create a similar crop of more athletic SUVs to enhance their current range.
The same unnamed insider told the news site that the compact Q2 will be loosely based on last year's Crosslane Coupe concept, adding that the larger Q6 could be manufactured at Audi's new assembly plant in Mexico alongside the Q5.
“We see a lot of potential in the SUV segment,” said Audi Sales and Marketing Chief Luca de Meo. “We’re right in the middle of our development,” he added, but would not provide further details about the Audi's model plans.
New and Better Spy Shots of 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe
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Here's a fresh batch of spy photos of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe that will replace the current CL-Class luxury two-door model at the end of 2014 or in early 2015, as the Germans continue to shuffle up the brand's designations.
Mercedes-Benz may revert to the S-Class Coupe moniker that was last used in W140 generation from the 1990s, but the new model won't be just an S-Class with two doors, as it will feature its own distinct styling highlighted by the heavily arched roofline, the padded rear fenders and the lowered front end.
Of course, under the skin, you will find the rear-wheel-drive architecture of the next generationS-Class sedan, which should bring notable weight savings and more electronic gizmos than a video arcade.
As pointed out in our previous scoop story, the new S-Class Coupe will likely launch with twin-turbocharged V8 and V12 engines for both the regular and the 63- and 65-AMG models. Like the current CL, the entry-level V8 S-Class Coupe will probably be optionally available with Benz's 4MATIC all-wheel drive system in certain markets, including North America.
BMW M Reportedly Plans to Stick to Rear Wheel Drive (Ahem…X5 M, Cough, Cough…X6 M)
21:57
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The news coming from the world's oldest car magazine (yes, that's the same one that had theCarScoop on the Alfa Romeo 4C), is that BMW M's division is committed to rear wheel drive.
BMW M boss Friedrich Nitschke spoke to the publication about the matter during last month's Detroit Auto Show: "Our philosophy in regards to steering feel and precision is that rear-wheel drive is the best solution," he said. "xDrive brings an 80-90kg weight penalty and the M differential is the industry’s best rear-drive set-up."
Well, we guess neither Nitschke nor Autocar have ever heard about the…BMW X5 M and X6 M, or the M135i xDrive, M550d xDrive and the X6 50d xDrive (granted; the Bavarian company describes the last three as "Powered by M" and "M Performance" models, but they still carry the "M" nameplate anyway).
During the interview, Nitschke added that the M brand will continue to offer manual gearboxes as long as there's demand, and that there are no "imminent plans" to offer an M3 version of thenew 3-Series Gran Turismo.
Gulf Lotus X12 is One Giant Hodge-Podge of Ugliness
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As much as we tried, there's no other way to put it; the Gulf Lotus X12 is simply one of the most garish looking SUVs we've ever laid eyes on.
While we found many elements from other vehicles, ranging from the BMW-sourced tail lamps, and –inspired boot design, to the Hamann EVO-like vented bonnet and the Hummer orToyota FJ Cruiser-shaped windshield and front roof styling, we weren't able to decode what car has been sacrificed to offer its platform for the customized body.
For what it's worth, the Gulf Lotus X12 has been spotted several times in the United Arab Emirates, including at last year's Middle East Motor Tuning Show held at the Sharjah Expo Center.
If you happen to know more about it and how it came to be, tell us in the comments below.
Rolls-Royce Reportedly Mulling Luxury SUV and V16-Powered Super Roadster
21:55
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Slowly, but methodically, the BMW Group has expanded Rolls-Royce's offerings since it took over the company's automobile division in 1998. Currently, its lineup includes the Phantom sedan, LWB sedan, Drophead Coupe convertible and Coupe, and the Ghost sedan and LWB sedan models, while at next month's Geneva Auto Salon, it will present the new performance Wraith Coupe based on the Ghost.
However, the competition, and by that we mean the VW Group and its Bentley brand, is not keeping its arms crossed and is getting ready to enter into new territories with the EXP 9 F studythat previews an upcoming premium SUV.
And as we've so many times in the past, when one German group takes the decision to create a new type of vehicle or enter a new segment, the others quickly follow suit…
Citing official inside sources, Car Magazine reported that the British carmaker is also looking into the possibility of building an SUV. "We’re monitoring the competition’s activities," Rolls-Royce boss Harald Krüger told the publication, adding, "we’re regularly debating whether to take action. This applies to all brand segments and technologies."
The magazine also learned that Rolls Royce is scheming a super roadster model with a massive 16-cylinder engine. The carmaker toyed around with the idea of developing such a big engine and even created a concept back in 2004, the 100EX, powered by a 9.0-liter V16, but never followed through.
According to the report, the idea floating around Goodwood is an extreme, two-seater roadster based on the next Phantom's aluminium spaceframe chassis fitted with a V16,. The same engine ould also find its way in the Phantom range to differentiate it from the V12-powered Ghost.
Early Reveal for New All-Electric Volkswagen Golf-e Mk7
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Volkswagen is expanding its range of Golf Mk7 models with a new pure electric version named the Golf-e, seen in these pictures for the first time ahead of a world premiere at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show on March 5.
The German brand hasn't officially released details yet, but Spanish newspaper El Mundo hasmore than enough information to cure your curiosity.
On the outside, the only telltale signs that this Golf VII is battery-powered are the covered upper and the reshaped lower grilles, along with the mildly modified head- and tail-lamps, while inside, VW replaced the tachometer and the two smaller gauges in the instrument panel with new meters providing relevant information. The LCD screen of the infotainment system was also updated accordingly.
The newspaper says the Golf-e is fitted with an electric motor producing an output of 115hp and an instant torque figure of 270Nm (199 lb-ft), good enough to accelerate the front-wheel drive model to 100km/h (62mph) in 11.8 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 135km/h (84mph), in order to conserve energy.
Electric juice comes from a 26.5 kWh lithium ion battery positioned under the rear seats. The report says it does not eat away any boot space, which remains the same as the regular Golf hatchback. What it does do along with the electric motor is add 205kg or 452 pounds over the equivalent internal combustion engine model.
The battery can be charged in 20 minutes using the quick charging system with a three-phase current, or in five hours using a household wall socket, in which case, it offers a driving range of up to 175 kilometers or 109 miles, depending on the driving style and road conditions.
Lamborghini Gallardo Replica Based on Dodge Stratus Looks Amazing from "15 Feet Away"
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The only thing that's going to make your smirk more than this caricature of a Lamborghini Gallardo is the eBay seller's blatant admission that "at 15 feet away, the car…looks amazing". Get closer than that, and…well, see for yourself in the picture gallery.
In all fairness, though, the seller, who is not the creator of the car, acknowledges a number of things, including that he wouldn't want to drive the Sagging Bull clone on a highway at 60mph (close to 100km/h) and that "it's not safe enough to drive on the streets" either.
In the ad, he states that the replica is built on a 1996 Dodge Stratus platform, something we also confirmed from the VIN, and that it was fashioned in a movie studio (has anyone of you seen it before?).
Last time we checked, the highest bid on eBay was $7,000, which did not meet the seller's reserve.
If you're curious to see what it looks like on the move, there's also a video of the car running on the road.
Thanks to Max L. for this gorgeous find!
eBay Seller's Description:This is an estate sale and not my personal car. I am representing it for our clients and have only limited knowledge of it.
This is built on a 1996 dodge stratus chassis. That’s what the title says and the motor and the steering wheel support that. The car starts up and runs as you can see in the video. Would I want to go down I-95 at 60 miles an hour in this car???.....absolutely not!! This car was designed, built and used as a movie car in south beach for commercial shoots, background and promotional use.
The exterior of this car is finished in matte black and the interior has yellow accents. At 15 feet away the car …looks amazing, with the removable simulated convertible top. I have no idea how well built this car is and I do not know what it would take to complete it for good drivability.
I don’t believe, in fact I know, this is not a manufactured kit car. This was built and designed in a movie studio. All lights work; tachometer works; speedometer does not work. Door poppers do work.
This vehicle will have to be trailered or shipped to the new owner’s location. I don’t believe this car is safe enough to drive on the streets.
I'm sure many of you are going to have questions. Please call me with any questions or offers. I remind you, this 17 year old technology will require maintenance and tweeking. Don't expect to have a maintenance free "new car" experience ...and working on these old classics is half the fun. Thanks for looking!